UPDATE – the contest has now closed. We thank the students who have submitted their essays. We are pleased to announce the winner of the contest:
BAO NGUYEN
class of 2026
Oak Grove High School in San Jose
click here to read the winning essay
Call for Essays: Win a Trip to the Odd Fellows Pilgrimage for Youth!
Are you a high school student aged 16 or 17? Do you want to explore the themes of citizenship, community service, and personal growth? We invite you to participate in an essay contest for a chance to win a free trip to the Odd Fellows Pilgrimage for Youth!
What is the Pilgrimage for Youth?
The Odd Fellows Pilgrimage for Youth is an empowering program designed to help young people build character, confidence, and a commitment to service. Each summer, participants from across North America come together for two weeks of enriching experiences that promote personal growth and community involvement. The 2025 tour begins on June 28 and lasts through July 11.
During the pilgrimage, participants will visit historic and culturally significant locations in New York City, Philadelphia, Watertown, Ottawa, Niagara Falls, Gettysburg, and Washington, D.C. Activities will include attending a Broadway play, visiting famous landmarks, sightseeing, and participating in a speech contest.
The Pilgrimage is rooted in the values of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, emphasizing kindness, integrity, and community spirit. To learn more about this transformative experience, visit Odd Fellows Pilgrimage for Youth.
Essay Contest Details:
- Theme: The Importance of Citizenship in Building a Better World
- Word Count: 500-750 words
- Deadline for Submission: December 24, 2024
- Winner Announcement: December 31, 2024
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a high school student aged 16 or 17 on June 28, 2025.
- Must have at least one year of high school remaining.
- Winner must be able to provide a physician’s note after a recent physical evaluation, stating they are capable of participating in the program.
- The winner must complete the official application for the program by the February 1, 2025, deadline.
- The winner must agree to abide by the terms and rules of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Youth Pilgrimage Committee.
Prizes:
The winner will receive a fully funded trip to the Odd Fellows Pilgrimage for Youth, including roundtrip airfare (up to $600).
Please note that the contest sponsors, the Odd Fellows of California in IOOF District Number 107, are not liable for any injury or distress that may result from the winner’s participation in the activity or from their travel to or from the activity, and the winner and their legal guardians must agree to hold them harmless.
How to Submit:
Please send your original essay as a PDF or Word document to mason@true52.org, with the subject “Essay Contest”. Be sure to include your name, date of birth, school, and graduation year. You can also send an email to that address if you have questions.
We’re excited to hear your thoughts on citizenship and building a better world.
Best of luck!
– Mason Wolf
Chair of California IOOF District 107 Youth Pilgrimage Scholarship